Vitamin E (α tocopherol) attenuates toxicity and oxidative stress induced by aflatoxin in rats
Seval Yılmaz1, Emre Kaya1, Selim Comakli2
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey.
Background:
Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and are classified as group I carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible preventive role of vitamin E (Vit E) on aflatoxin (AF) induced toxicity by using biochemical and histopathological approaches.
Material And Methods:
Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 4 groups as follows: control group, Vit E group (Vit E was administered), AFB1 group (a single dose of AFB1 was administered), AF + Vit E group (AF and Vit E were administered). The effects of Vit E on AFB1 induced tissue toxicity were evaluated by using malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological examination in tissues.
Results:
AF caused the oxidative stress by the increased MDA level and the reduced GSH level, glutathioneS-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activities in tissues. Plasma aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, creatinine, and urea concentrations significantly increased; whereas, chloride, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations were insignificantly affected. Plasma glucose, protein and sodium concentrations significantly decreased. Administration of AF caused hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. As far as histopathological changes are concerned, a statistically significant difference was found in AFB1 group compared to the control group. Vit E considerably reduced plasma AST, ALT, ALP, LDH activities, and urea concentration and ameliorated the deleterious effects of AF on oxidative stress markers and pathological changes.
Conclusions:
This data indicated that the natural antioxidant Vit E might have a protective effect against AF-induced toxicity and oxidative stress.
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